The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has become the first national football federation to publicly withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA President, raising fresh questions about his chances ahead of the 2027 elections.
The decision follows widespread criticism of a controversial proposal that would have allowed private investment firms to purchase minority stakes in some of FIFA’s biggest competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.
Although the proposal was later abandoned, it sparked strong opposition from football stakeholders across the globe.
Wales Says Infantino Has ‘Lost Our Confidence’
In a strongly worded statement, the FAW said it no longer had confidence in Infantino’s leadership, accusing him of failing to put the interests of football first.
“Infantino has lost the confidence of the Football Association of Wales,” the association said.
The Welsh football body also cited concerns over governance, decision-making, stakeholder management and what it described as poor leadership.
“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept,” the FAW added.
UEFA, CONCACAF Opposed FIFA Proposal
The controversy intensified after UEFA reportedly threatened to boycott FIFA competitions—including the World Cup—if the investment proposal went ahead.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) also criticised FIFA’s leadership and decision-making process, adding to the growing pressure on the world football governing body.
The backlash eventually forced FIFA to abandon the proposal.
Pressure Mounts on Infantino
Infantino, who has served as FIFA President since 2016, is expected to seek a third term covering the 2027–2031 period.
However, Wales’ decision marks the first public withdrawal of support by a national football association and could encourage other federations to reassess their position ahead of the election.
At the time of filing this report, Infantino had not responded publicly to the FAW’s announcement, while FIFA is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Source: Agency report.
